Showing interest

It is very important to show that you are interested in what your partner is saying. Use these expressions to show you are interested. Remember! When we are very interested or surprised our voice is higher and louder.

Normal response

Uh-huh.
That’s interesting.
Oh, I see.
Right.

Stronger response

Really?
Wow! That’s amazing!
That’s incredible!
No way!
You’re joking!

Do you understand?

When you are speaking to someone it is important that you understand each other. If you don’t understand something, ask your partner to explain what they mean. If they don’t understand you, explain what you mean. Use these expressions to help you.

When you don’t understand

I don’t understand.
Could you repeat that?
Could you say that again?
What do you mean, exactly?
I’m not sure what you mean.
Can you explain that?

Explain what you mean

What I mean is ...
In other words ...

Remember! You can also use the ideas in When you don't know an exact word

 

Discussion

It is really important to show interest when listening to other speakers. Listen to English speakers in the movies and on TV and tell us which of these phrases you hear most often.

Topics
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